![Experience the evolution of Japan leather in the leather districts of Tokyo’s East Side [Day 1]](https://ho-jl.com/images/2026/11/a8b904c7-e11e-4ff9-a366-621bf277f174.webp)
Both banks of the Sumida River are thriving hubs of craftsmanship. On the east bank, tanneries carry on the art of leather-making, while on the west bank, shoes, bags, and wallets are made. Now enterprising new shops and factories are opening in these old downtown neighborhoods! Make the rounds of the workshops and streets, and the evolution of Japan leather comes into view.
Day 1 is a tour that loops around greater Asakusa. Start in Oku-Asakusa, a shoemaking quarter, and head to Moto-Asakusa, home to many factories making small leather goods. The gallery of the founder of one of Japan’s leading bag brands is a must-see. Around the Kaminarimon gate, soak up all that makes Asakusa “Asakusa.”
Its made-to-order shoes, which promise “the happiest shoe experience,” are a hit. With a wide range of designs—pumps, loafers, boots, sandals, sneakers, and more—you can custom-order shoes that suit your personal style.
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▼ Moto-Asakusa to Nishi-Asakusa is a “temple town” of old—savor the Japanese charm as you go
Keep lunch on day one light: wander with a crepe or other treat in hand, and let its gentle sweetness soothe away the fatigue of your flight. Asakusa is full of shops selling sweets you can eat with one hand, so choosing is half the fun.
The photogenic crepes here include a tiramisu decorated with the characters for “Asakusa” and a brûlée topped with gold leaf. Each wrapper is adorned with Kaga mizuhiki, decorative paper cord lovingly crafted by skilled artisans, which doubles as a bookmark after you’ve eaten.
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▼ Tour the atelier of a maker whose name is etched in history
The workshop of the late Kichizo Yoshida, founder of Yoshida Kaban, one of Japan’s leading bag makers, has been preserved and opened to the public. In this rare space, the sewing machines, tools, patterns, and other items he cherished in life are displayed just as they were.
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▼ Snack your way around town with photogenic handheld sweets
A new take on premium fruit candy: fresh strawberries, grapes, and other fruits in a glossy candy coating. The crunchy bite is irresistible. Apples also come pre-cut, for worry-free eating. Perfect for snacking as you stroll.
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▼ Delicately handcrafted, colorful small leather goods that feel refreshingly new
Building on the techniques of “Himeji leatherwork,” a local craft of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture—one of Japan’s leading leather-producing areas—bunko leather keeps evolving through the maker’s own original methods. Besides floral motifs, it comes in a wide array of delicate designs, including cats, Fujin and Raijin (the gods of wind and thunder), Christmas, and Egypt.
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